Students take to the Hill

Canadian Alliance of Student Associations in Ottawa Meeting with MPs and Senators

OTTAWA, Nov. 21, 2012 /CNW/ - This week, the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) brought more than 60 student leaders from across the nation to Ottawa for meetings with more than 130 Members of Parliament (MPs) and Senators to discuss issues that affect Canada's youth.

"With Canada's population aging and with the labour force in decline, we must focus on Canada's youth, as we are the key to the nation's future," explained Pat Joyce, Chair of the Board of Directors for CASA.  "The success of students is critical to sustained economic growth and the overall wellbeing of the country."

The productive, competitive Canada of the future will be built on an educated population. To get there, government decision makers need to ensure that post-secondary education is accessible. In order to stay competitive internationally, it is imperative that individuals be encouraged to pursue post-secondary education, be that college or university.

The federal government has an essential role to play in learning, training, and research.  CASA has made an effort to meet with different political parties from across the country to discuss issues of concern for students, including the necessary removal of earnings penalties for students, allowing Open Access to publicly-funded research, and the need to increase funding for the Canada Student Grants Program to help those most in need of financial assistance.

"We're excited to be speaking to government officials on a number of important issues, but what is most critical is the need to have more students with less debt," continued Joyce.  "It is important that MPs and Senators make sure post-secondary education a priority in the government, and ensure its accessibility for all Canadians."

The Canadian Alliance of Student Associations is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization with 25 member associations, representing 300,000 students across Canada. CASA advocates for a Canadian post-secondary education system that is accessible, affordable, and of the highest quality.

SOURCE: CANADIAN ALLIANCE OF STUDENT ASSOCIATIONS

Mike Powell
Media relations
Phone: [phone]
Cell: 613-797-7313
[email protected]